Spa Girls

This book is very reminiscent of the sisterchick books. Just the story of seemingly mismatched friends that help each other through the ups and downs of life. It is the story of the diamond heiress Morgan and her two very different friends Lily (clothes designer) and Poppy (natural health doctor). Morgan wants to see what "real" life is like - ie, being poor. Lily and Poppy help her out, but it becomes complicated by lawsuits and other personal issues.

This was a light read, especially after my last book. I found it refreshing and real. Not a must read, but enjoyable.

Riven by Jerry Jenkins

I just devoured this book. I read a review on it in Today's Christian Women magazine and then actually found it on the shelf in the library last week. I liked the Left Behind series that he wrote with Tim LaHaye and wanted to give it a go.

The author's note indicated that this is a book that he has had in his mind and heart for decades and has finally put in on paper. For me, the book did not disappoint. Jenkins does a beautiful job of creating the two main characters, Brady Darby (juvenile delinquent) and Thomas Carey (pastor/Chaplain). By the time they meet in the book you are wanting both of them to see the power of God.

I did not want to put the book down and was captivated by the complexity of the human heart. Jenkins captured the struggles of the characters and allowed us to experience it with them. If you have ever wondered about forgiveness and the Grace of God, this book strikes a chord as to the power of that. Does God's Word have power? This "story/parable" doesn't allow you to sit without thinking about what God can and is willing to do for us.

I highly recommend this book if you get a chance. It is now one of the top ten books on my list.

Blessings

Veritas by Frank Peretti

I found this in the children's section while looking for a book for my son. I didn't find the copy of Ribsy I was looking for, but found this.

This is a mystery series written by the author of "The Present Darkness" books. He likes to write about the spiritual unseen world of angels and demons. This book was an easy read since it was written for 5th graders yet, interesting enough for an easily entertained adult like me to enjoy.

The book was centered around the strange sicknesses of students in a high school supposedly linked to a curse. A family team assigned by the President infiltrates the school and eventually finds the source of the sickness. The mystery is fairly interesting with a hint of Christian faith and prayer thrown in appropriately. I would recommend this book as a quick read, especially for middle school/junior high age kids.

Tying the Knot by Susan May Warren

I truly enjoyed this romance by Warren. I am a huge fan of a good romance novel. I am a sucker for happy endings. Yet, I know that real life relationships are messy and not as simple to figure out as a book. Maybe that is why I am so drawn to them.

I liked the book because is was set in Minnesota and I could easily envision where she was – it sucked me in right away. This book was not as easy to figure out as one would think. It starts out with a shooting. Not always a good way to start. Warren then uses the characters to show how love can heal all kinds of hurt and pain, both internal and external. The female character is the one that gets shot and immediately decides to do all that she can to get away from the inner city gang culture that caused her injury. Of course, the man she falls in love with has a passion to serve in the city and get the gang kids out of gangs in into God’s family.

The story revolves around the reconciliation of these two lives and how God can use even our worst experiences for His kingdom. This is not the best book ever, but I did enjoy it.

Scoop by Rene Gutteridge

I am not sure if I have ever read any of Gutteridge. This book seemed a little stilted to me. She tried to develop too many characters and so I wasn't really attached to any one of them. The story was about a tv news crew and the foibles that occurred off air and how they translated on air. It was all about the ratings. Every stereotype of person was included, the closet christian that didn't share his faith, the in your face christian that is always praying for you, the ego maniac, the boss on anxiety medicine and then the traitor for a boss. I enjoyed the book, but found it easy to put down and did not really feel impacted by the message.

Why the Sky is Blue by Susan Meissner

This will be a strange post, but I read this book so long ago that I honestly can't remember the story line. So, unfortunately it must not have impacted me very much. I know that I read it, but couldn't really give you a review. Sorry :(

Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner

I think that I have found another author that I just love! Or maybe it is because many of her books are set in Minnesota - I can so relate. She has many books and I am looking forward to reading more of them.

This book tells the story of a young women who is trying to put her life back together again after her fiance cancels the wedding 10 days before it is suppose to happen. What do you do when your dreams of marriage are dashed? How do you start over?

Meissner does a great job of developing the main character. She writes in first person which always draws me in. The private thoughts and struggles are exposed on the page and you can feel her struggle with trust and forgiveness. She starts a business with her "almost" used wedding dress - selling used wedding dresses - antique and originals. Yet, even though it is the first dress in her inventory, she just can't bear to part with it.

This is a love story with God orchestrating all the events to draw her closer to Him - her true love. I laughed and cried with this book. I give it a thumbs up!

Blessings

The Chase by Susan Wale and Robin Shope

This is another book that I just found on the library shelf as I was searching for a new book to read. The back of the book described it as a political suspense novel. I don't go for much of those as you can tell from my other book choices. This one wasn't too long and sounded interesting.

The main story focuses on a female journalist that has uncovered a child selling ring that is disguised as an adoption agency. This is a huge cover up since one of the main players is running for the presidency. She is eventually forced to quit her dream job when the story breaks and the Senator has "proof" of legal adoptions. Even though she move back home she cannot let go of this story knowing all that she knows. As the story unfolds, she finds a connection with her family and also finds herself falling in love with Jesus and her new boss at the local paper.

I really enjoyed this book. It was not as predictable as I thought it might be, yet wasn't drawn out so that it didn't seem plausible. I suggest this book for a quick read and moments of suspense.

Happy Reading
Cyndee

White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick

I have been in the habit lately of picking books off the library shelf by familiar authors. I am not always drawn into books by Wick. Her plots are often simple, which can be enjoyable reading but not always challenging.

This book is a little different. The plot surrounds this young girl that loses her parents in a car accident. She is suddenly alone and is raised by her grandfather. Like any family, there is dysfunction, especially since this family had not been transformed by Christ. This book is a wonderful love story about how God wins us over and how amazing forgiveness and truly being loved for yourself can be. I connected with these characters and enjoyed this book. It is a reminder of the Grace and love that abounds!

Happy Reading!
Cyndee

The Copper Scroll by Joel Rosenberg

This is continuation of the end times books by Rosenberg. I think that I have read them in the past - the characters were familiar to me, but it has been awhile. He did a decent job of referring to what had happened before so that new readers would not be completely lost. It might have been annoying if I had read the books in succession.

This book focuses on prophecies in Ezekial and the possible outcomes of those. It would make a great action movie with near misses at every turn. The main characters are pulled in against their will, but believe that God had called them to do all they can. They are searching for the treasures listed on the copper scroll which was discovered during the time of the dead sea scrolls and really exists. It is fascinating to think that we are close to bringing some of these end times prophecies into being - just as God planned.

Something interesting. One of the characters mentions that Satan must have an AntiChrist in position in every generation since only God the Father knows when the second coming is happening. Satan does not know and must be ready to take power at any time. Interesting thought?

Fair is the Rose by Liz Curtis Higgs

This must be the second or third book in a series. I read it first, but it was written is such a way that it did not seem to matter. I enjoyed Higgs writting style. This is also the first time that I have read any of her books - highly recommended by other blog readers.

Higgs did a good job of chronicling the time period of the church and what was happening during that time. It was a very strict time period when the punishment was public and severe. I can see how this would deter people from sinning or at least getting found out.

This book seems to follow the storyline of Jacob with Leah and Rachel. The main character was tricked into marrying the "ugly" daughter. He felt betrayed, yet fell in love with her despite the trickery. In the end, her loved her more than he could have possibly have imagined her could. Because of a recording error of the church, everything that the deceitful father had planned fell apart. I was intrigued by the twist and it kept me interested. I would recommend this book.

Unashamed by Francine Rivers

This is the first book that I have read by Francine Rivers. This is a novella about Rahab and her amazing faith. She is listed in the line of Jesus, even though she started her life as a prostitute, she is given a place a honor is scripture.

Rivers does a great job of adding emotion and context to the old testament story of Jericho. Rahab had to have amazing faith to believe in the God of the Hebrews admist the idolatry of her city. She also had to stand up and explain her faith to an unbelieving family. The spies were also impressed by her faith and vowed to save her. She believed and was saved. Isn't that what our faith is all about?

A great read.

SisterChicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn

I try to read one of Gunn's sisterchicks books every once in awhile. She does a great job of hiding spiritual truth into the story - just like real life. God is always trying to teach us something as we walk through our days.

Gunn takes us to Italy with her sisterchicks as they try to find new meaning in their lives. One sister is divorced and now an empty nester and the other is struggling to find normal after her husbands car accident. This trip to Italy is a chance to serve as cooks for a misssionary conference. The women learn about waiting on God and listening. They find the balance in a faraway land as they discover that their lives are not over yet and they can still serve in so many ways.

I enjoyed this book. A refreshing change.

Shadow Women by Angela Hunt

I was just cruising the fiction aisles and found this title by Hunt. She is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors. This was a historical fiction work – which takes tons of time for any author. I truly think that she did a great job.

This is the story of Moses through the eyes of the women that raised him, loved him and followed him. Each of these women changed as a result of knowing Moses. They all needed him for different reasons.

His Egyptian mother needed him so that she could find her place as an Egyptian queen. In the end, she would sacrifice that to set Moses free.

His real sister, Miriam, found value being related to him an honor and a priveledge. God dramatically showed her that to be a leader you must serve.

His wife, Zipporah, knew him the best as Moses struggled to find out who this “Yaweh” was. In Midian and Egypt, many gods were worshipped and Moses just did not believe that a god worth serving would be so small. They soon both found out how powerful and amazing this “Yaweh” was and still is.

I was amazed by this recounting of the story of Moses. One thinks that you have read it before and there is nothing new. Yaweh was not a very forgiving in this moment in history. He expected and demanded complete obedience from those that followed him. He would and did separate the believing from the unbelieving many times during the 40 years in the desert.

Hunt did a great job of following the bible story and adding those emotions that draw you in and help you feel more connected to the real people of the bible. I truly enjoyed this book.

Edge of Darkness by Tim LaHaye and Bob Phillips

This is the fourth book in the Babylon Rising series. It is an interesting mix of intrigue and prophecy. I have followed the professor, Murphy, and his adventures from the beginning. LaHaye and Phillips do a great job at making him likeable. I can visualize a movie like Indiana Jones with a biblical twist. This book ends a little in the middle of the story. The main enemy is killed but is replaced by "the Seven". Supposedly the ones that will control the world when all is aligned.

Not as good as the books before it, but a good quick read all together.

The Note by Angela Hunt

I am just fascinated by the wide range of topics that Hunt writes about. Many authors find a niche and write about the same kind of thing. Kingsbury loves stories about families and forgiveness. Blackstock is more of a suspense author writing about murders. Hunt seems to explore the range of topics.

This book is one of those books that hit home for me. It was hard for me to start another book because I just knew that it might not be as good. It just fascinates me the way she allows the reader to know just enough and reveals the whole story in bits and pieces. The story is based on a newspaper reporters search for the recipient of a note that was found after an airplane crash. The note was simple, it said "T-I love you. All is forgiven. Love Dad".

Hunt explores all the emotions and reasons why someone would want to receive this message and then also why so many turn away from that message everyday. The bible message is just that. A message of forgiveness and love. Who wouldn't want that? It appears that even the reporter is affected by the simplicity of such a message.

Hunt ends the book beautifully - never in the way you think. I was crying at the end - mostly because of my desire for such a relationship with my father.

I would call this a must read. Blessings.

Shadow of a Doubt by Terri Blackstock

The second book of the Newpointe 911 series uses the same southern town in Louisiana as the setting. The reader met Stan, Celia and Aunt Aggie in the first book, but they are the main characters in this book. I enjoyed reading these books back to back. I don’t often do this and then forget who is who.

In Shadow of a Doubt, an attempted murder occurs in the first chapter. Blackstock does not need as much leadtime to introduce characters because it is the second book, but it would still be understandable out of order. The main suspect is Celia since it was a poisoning case against her husband Stan. Blackstock really does a character study on how easily people are persuaded when the evidence is obvious, even if you have known the person for years. The town turns against Celia except her Aunt Aggie and her lawyer Jill. Celia ends up in jail and like Paul of the New Testament finds contentment and hope behind bars.

Through some creative investigating and faith in Celia’s integrity, a sting is set up to apprehend the real killer. It may not be who you suspected…

Overall a good book with some great bible references and a clear direction in placing faith in Jesus. I was not expecting an evangelistic ending, but found it appropriate.

Blessings

Private Justice by Terri Blackstock

I am returning to a favorite author and a different series by Terri Blackstock. Her books are probably classified as suspense. Not really a murder mystery, but it often seems to revolve around who is trying to hurt who. It isn’t as much intrigue as a Clancy novel, but she includes several twists that keep the reader on her toes (that would be me). The solution to the problem always includes prayer and references to specific bible passages. I enjoy this piece since our lives always have “crisis” and it shows how even in times of stress we can turn to Jesus.

The Newpointe 911 series focus’ on a small town outside New Orleans. The main characters in the book Private Justice are public servants, firemen and policemen, and their wives. Tragedy strikes when someone starts to target the fireman’s wives. In the midst of this, Allie and Mark Branning are separated. Mark is determined to protect his wife - even if it means dying. Both of them realize that they are not completely guilt free when it comes to the falling apart of their marriage. The only question besides finding the killer was wondering if Mark and Allie would have a chance to reconcile and act on their new found faith in God and each other.

This book had a slow start for me, but by the middle I was hooked. I was invested in the characters and had a couple of potential suspects. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Blessings

The Secret of the Villa Mimosa

This was a free paperback book. I have never read this author, but the cover looked interesting. This was a romance/suspense novel. It sort of was too graphic for me - the violence described. I enjoyed some of the twists, but it was fairly predictable.

Basic story line was about a girl that gets thrown into a ravine and almost dies. She loses her memory. A psychologist tries to helps her sort it out with the help of the local detective. The plot thickens as the girl slowly regains her memory.

I wanted to finish it because I only had 20 pages left, but I knew the main ending about half way through. Probably won't intentionally read this author again.

Blessings

Just Beyond the Clouds by Karen Kingsbury

This is the follow-up book to A Thousand Tomorrows by Kingsbury. Have I said before that I just love her writing! The book picks up a few years later with Cody, the rodeo star. He moves back to his parents ranch to figure life out. He has a younger brother with Downs Syndrome. This is a touching book about letting go and living life. Cody learns about life from his disabled brother and falls in love in the process. I always recommend Kingsbury. The Lord has given her amazing ideas for stories.

Blessings

Spring Reading Thing 2008

I am so incredibly late at joining this reading challenge held over at Callapidder Days. Here is my short list. All novels this time. I just can't seem to get the non-fiction completed! Argh!

*The Note by Angela Hunt

*The Elevator by Angela Hunt

*Private Justice and Shadow of Doubt. NewPointe 911 series by Terri Blackstock

With the daughter's synchro, end of year grading and activities, I will be lucky to get these 4 books read. I am going to go peruse some lists and add to my ever growing pile.

Happy Reading!

Mosiac: Pieces of My Life So Far by Amy Grant

I have grown up with Amy Grant music in my life since I first became a believer in high school. The contemporary Christian world no longer plays her music, except an occasional Christmas song here and there. The book Mosiac isn’t the typical autobiography, but little journal entries of the important moments in her life. If you are looking for the details of her divorce and why, this is not the book. It is a true insight into what makes her think, how God met her along this journey called life. She has a deep passion for her music and the impact it has for the kingdom of God. Her is life not compartmentalized. Her music is a part of her like water is to life, she can't help but write songs that come from her heart - wherever the path may lead.

I have to repent and not join the crowd in thinking that divorce is the worst thing she could do. If all our sins were that public. I am even planning on pulling out my old cassettes and CD's and doing some deep listening of her lyrics - they say more then we can imagine.

If you are an Amy Grant fan, this would be worth reading.

Blessings

The Cinderella Hour by Katherine Stone

When I first picked up this book, I thought, "It will be one of those typical romance novels". This was not the case. It is not a christian book, but it was also not filled with descriptive love scenes that accompany these paperback novels either. It was more suspenseful with twists and turns in the story line. You wanted the best for these characters, you wanted them to stop hiding from each other and just talk it out.

The story is written in a flashback form. It was about two abused kids that meet and create a lifelong connection - love. It is the story of being saved by love and connection with others. I didn't really like the ending - way too convenient. I like ending that are believable. I am not really a writer, but I suppose that is hard to create this great plot and then finding a "happy" ending. I guess that life doesn't always work out that way. I am enjoying books that have real endings.

Blessings

Breaking Free by Lauraine Snelling

I have read several of Snellings books. She often tackles the theme of forgiveness and starting over. This book is no different. Breaking Free parallels the recover of a retired racehorse with the recovery of the humans taking care of it. Many of the characters have issues of unworthiness and anger to deal with before they can start over. This was not a typical come to Jesus and be forgiven type of a book. It was a pleasant diversion. Not too intense in subject but not forced either. The story felt genuine. The characters have to overcome some obstacles, but finally learn to lean on God in all circumstances.

When I read, I always try to predict the outcome. The ending was not real surprising to me. Somewhat predictable, but sometimes I need a book like that.

Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary w/Eli

This is the second book in the mouse and the motorcycle series. Eli and I enjoy reading about the adventures of this independent mouse. In this book, Ralph gets sick of his relatives always bugging him about his motorcycle and doesn't want to share. He ends up leaving the hotel that he grew up in and finds a summer camp full of kids. He ends up being caught and put in a cage. His adventures include run ins with cats, dogs, hamsters and lonely little boys. Not a page turner, but full of fun for young minds to think about. It has been fun sharing this time with my boy. Soon he will be too big to want to snuggle and read.

Thanks for reading.

Cyndee

Summer Affair by Susan Wiggs

This is one of those trashy paperback romantic history novels. I learn a little bit of history by the long drawn out escapades of two unlikely people that fall in love. It never really works out that way. It is mindless reading. I have been reading such deep novels lately, that I decided to take a break.

The setting in this book was about 1900 in San Francisco. It followed the story of a doctor and his desire to clean-up the waterfront of opium traffiking. Along the way, he picks up a stray patient and subsequently falls in love with her. Just a few moments of suspense, but basically a predictable storyline.

Not a high score from me.

Thanks for reading.

Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury

I found this book for $.50 at the thrift store a couple of weeks ago when I was shopping for new jeans. Why is it a get "used" jeans and my daughter gets brand new? Sacrifices I tell you! Anyway, I couldn't pass up a Kingsbury book that I hadn't read yet.

I started reading it right away then had to set it aside. The unresolved conflict in this book was agonizing! The premise behind the book revolves around adoption. The main character Molly is living a blessed life - great husband, nice house, no financial worries and a great son Joey who is adopted. Her world is turned upside down when she gets a phonecall from the adoption agency saying that the adoption was fraudulent. Molly and her husband, Jack, will need to hand over custody to a couple a thousand miles away. How could God have this happen? If there was a God - Molly and Jack were not sure about that. Joey takes the step to trust God through it all and brings his parents along as they fight to be his parents forever.

Kingsbury does a great job of setting the stage of hopelesses on one end and the joy of the birth mom to get her son back. My heart was just torn. The thought of having to say good-bye to my son - I think that I would do everything that I could to keep him with me. The ending was a little abrupt, but possibly realistic. I was rooting for both mom's.

I definately recommend this book, but be prepared to cry...

True Light by Terri Blackstock

This is the third book in the Restoration Series by Blackstock. It has been a few months since I read book two and had to catch up on the plot. Blackstock does a good job of drawing you into the story and still providing information for her readers about the previous books plot. The chapters are short with enough suspense to keep you reading. I really enjoy her writing style - with enough romance thrown in to keep me interested. She weaves in bible verses in such a way that seem real to the situation and not forced.

This book continues the struggle of the Branning family after all electrically powered items no longer work. The explanation given is continuous electromagnetic pulses from a dying star - until it stops, nothing running on normal electrical circuits will work. The government begins working with scientists to find work arounds to make vital services - like hospitals work again. The plot is focused on Mark Green and a killing. Who did it and why do they think it is Mark? The story unfolds with threads of forgiveness and walking through the valley to get there.

I enjoyed this book - even though I am not much of a suspense novel reader.

Thanks for reading.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary (w/Eli)

Part of Eli's homework in 2nd grade is to read 15 minutes a night. I understand why, but with other activities it wasn't always easy to find the time and make it meaningful. So, I dug out one of my favorite Cleary books and we read together.

This is the first book in a series of three about a talking mouse, Ralph, that lives in Room 215 of a hotel. This introduces all the struggles of being a mouse and the joy of finding adventures on the first floor. He makes a human friend name Keith who shares his motorcycle with him and teaches him how to ride by making the sound of a motorcycle, Pb-pb-pb.

This was a fun book to read with Eli. It has a few pictures throughout to foreshadow what is going to happen. I did most of the reading, but he read the short pages with the pictures. We finished the book and managed to meet the 300 minutes a month requirement. We will be starting the new year with the next book - Runaway Ralph for the month of January.

Thanks for reading.

The Kiss by Danielle Steele

I haven’t read a Danielle Steele book in quite awhile. The Kiss was not excellent literature by any means, but it did have a few unexpected twists and turns. The main characters had admirable qualities – unlike some other romance novels. They were loyal under undesirable circumstances, they loved deeply and had a desire to fulfill the promises of marriage and the life they devoted themselves to.

This was a good book to fill the time and make me thankful for the hope that Christian authors pursue in their writing. Steele’s books always make me feel empty, without the joy and peace of other book’s without such “happy” endings.

Thanks for reading.